Photographs have revealed the controversial netting which Liverpool Anglican Cathedral has put in place to protect part of the building from two peregrine falcons.
RSPB England has criticised the decision to install the netting at the city's Anglican Cathedral, claiming that it 'posed risks to the birds and other wildlife.' The birds have bred successfully in the same spot for three years.
The netting, above the main entrance, has also created a debate online about its use. Councillor Maria Toolan posted a comment on social media criticising the decision.
READ MORE: RSPB says Liverpool Anglican Cathedral move to block falcons is 'disappointing'
Cllr Toolan's statement read: "We agree netting is dangerous for protected birds potential liability to young birds there are other solutions. Liverpool Cathedral putting netting up to re-direct our peregrines is wrong."
The Cathedral has put in place a nesting box which they hope the falcons will use. The RSPB have suggested that the birds are unlikely to use the box.
RSPB Liverpool local group leader Chris Tynan said that the birds are more likely to use a gravel ledge. Mr Tynan said it was hard to predict where the birds might nest.
The RSPB's statement, released last month, read: "The RSPB is disappointed by the decision to install netting outside Liverpool Cathedral. While we are pleased Liverpool Cathedral is continuing to provide space for nature, we strongly discourage the use of netting because of the risks it poses to birds and other wildlife.
"We cannot keep trying to squeeze nature into smaller and smaller spaces or demanding it fits in with our plans."
Liverpool Cathedral have stressed that they have only introduced netting at a small part of the massive building. Cathedral bosses released a statement to the ECHO yesterday.
A spokesman for The Diocese of Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral said: "Liverpool Cathedral has been a nesting site for a couple of peregrine falcons over many years and have been working to make sure they have a great environment to live in.
"Their presence around our building presents us with the challenge of preserving a protected species with maintaining a historic listed building. The cathedral architecture has suffered from many years of damage from a build-up of guano.
"So we have tried to learn from the falcons’ behaviour over many years to encourage them to parts of our building where they can thrive and be protected. This includes creating a nesting box which we hope they will thrive in.
"We will also hope to use this to help us ring the chicks and provide valuable scientific information about their breeding patterns. We have consulted with wildlife experts, including the RSPB, on a solution that we hope provides a safe environment for the birds but protects the rest of the building from the damage their activities cause.
"We have carried out this work away from their nesting season and tried to create a fresh welcoming environment for them. Managing this is a complex undertaking however we will work to encourage the falcons into their new home and we will provide updates as and when we have them."
